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Clean & Renewable Energy Sources
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
Solar panels provide power without emitting greenhouse gasses. The City has installed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at 18 of its facilities resulting in 308 kWh of production. These installations, combined with private installations, account for more than 1.5 megawatts of generation, the largest amount in any U.S. city outside of California.
Solar Thermal Systems and Grant Program
Solar thermal systems concentrate the sun’s light and use it to heat the water flowing into a building. The water that enters the system saves energy by decreasing the need to heat that water by traditional methods, such as electricity, oil, propane, or natural gas. It is estimated that a solar water heater can reduce a utility water-heating bill by 50 - 85 percent. The City of Chicago recently completed its first installation of Solargenix’s solar thermal system to Engine Company 26, located at 10 N. Leavitt St. Additional solar thermal systems will be installed in firehouses, police stations, aging centers, and other City facilities.
Additionally, The City of Chicago's Department of Environment granted more than 600 solar thermal collectors to health clubs, laundromats, affordable housing units, and other businesses or organizations that use a high volume of hot water.
Illinois Institute of Technology Partnership
Wind is an available resource and the location of wind turbines is crucial to attaining the most benefit. The City continues to partner with the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) to create a map of the area's wind resources. This map will ultimately support decision making related to wind power development. IIT is also performing a comparative analysis of the energy performance of targeted City facilities before and after major energy efficiency and renewable energy implementation activities. Learn More >>
Renewable Portfolio Standard
The City was instrumental in a state effort to pass a Renewable Portfolio Standard for Illinois utilities, which requires that 10 percent of power supplied to the state come from renewable sources by 2015. According to the Standard, a minimum of 75 percent of this renewable energy must come from wind power, and the remaining amount (25 percent) from other eligible renewables. These resources include solar thermal (both heat and electricity), photovoltaics, dedicated crops grown for energy production, untreated and unadulterated organic waste biomass, trees and tree trimmings, in-state landfill gas, biodiesel, and hydropower. Learn More >> |
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